What is another name for turkey tail? Uncovering its many aliases

December 28, 2025 •

2 min read

Historically, the turkey tail mushroom has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to support health and treat various ailments. This common polypore fungus, known for its vibrant, fan-like appearance, is recognized by many different names across the world.

Quick Summary

This article explores the multiple names for the turkey tail mushroom, including its scientific designations Trametes versicolor and Coriolus versicolor, along with its traditional Chinese and Japanese names and descriptive common names.

Key Points

Scientific Names: The official scientific name is Trametes versicolor, though the older synonym Coriolus versicolor is still commonly used.
Chinese Name: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is known as Yun Zhi, or 'cloud mushroom,' referencing its shape.
Japanese Name: The Japanese name for turkey tail is Kawaratake, which translates to 'roof tile fungus'.
Descriptive English Name: Formerly, it was widely known as the Many-Zoned Polypore due to its concentric color rings.
Correct Identification is Key: It is vital to differentiate the real turkey tail from lookalikes like False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea) by checking for the porous underside.
Use in Medicine: Its polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK) extracts have been studied for immune-modulating properties.

The Scientific Identity: Trametes versicolor and Coriolus versicolor

The primary scientific name for the turkey tail mushroom is Trametes versicolor, referencing its 'many colours'. An earlier, commonly used scientific name is Coriolus versicolor, reflecting changes in taxonomic classification over time. Another historical name was Polyporus versicolor.

Traditional and Cultural Names from Asia

Turkey tail holds cultural significance and has distinct names in traditional Asian medicine.

Yun Zhi: The Chinese Cloud Mushroom

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is called Yun Zhi, meaning 'cloud mushroom', a name inspired by its wavy, layered appearance. It has a long history of use in TCM for supporting vitality and addressing various health issues.

Kawaratake: The Japanese Roof Tile Fungus

The Japanese name is Kawaratake, meaning 'roof tile fungus' or 'mushroom by the river'. This name likely relates to its habitat or appearance. It has been used traditionally in Japan for its health properties, similar to its use in China.

Descriptive and Common English Names

English common names often describe the mushroom's appearance.

Many-Zoned Polypore: This name highlights the numerous concentric color bands found on the mushroom's surface.
Japanese Ladies' Fan: Another name referencing its distinctive fan shape.

A Comparison of Turkey Tail's Key Aliases


Name	Type	Origin	Meaning / Derivation
Trametes versicolor	Scientific	Latin	'Of several colours'; the current binomial name
Coriolus versicolor	Scientific	Latin	A well-known former scientific name and common synonym
Yun Zhi	Traditional	Chinese	'Cloud mushroom,' referencing its undulating shape
Kawaratake	Traditional	Japanese	'Roof tile fungus' or 'mushroom by the river'
Many-Zoned Polypore	Descriptive Common	British English	Refers to the numerous concentric color rings
Polyporus versicolor	Scientific	Latin	An older scientific name, referencing its polypore structure

The Critical Difference: Identifying the True Turkey Tail

Identifying the real turkey tail is essential, especially when foraging. The key feature is the underside, which has a porous surface. Lookalikes typically lack these pores.

Lookalikes and How to Spot the Impostor

False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea): This lookalike has a smooth, non-porous underside and may appear more orange or yellow. It does not offer the same potential benefits as turkey tail.
Violet-Toothed Polypore (Trichaptum biforme): Distinguished by a violet, toothed underside.
Other Trametes species: Some related species can look similar but may differ in color or texture.

Conclusion: A Mushroom of Many Names and a Single Identity

The turkey tail mushroom is known by various names globally, reflecting its scientific classification and cultural significance. While Trametes versicolor is the currently accepted scientific name, names like Coriolus versicolor, Yun Zhi, and Kawaratake are widely recognized in traditional practices and literature. Accurate identification by checking for the porous underside is crucial, especially for foragers, to distinguish it from similar-looking species.

Authoritative Information on Medicinal Mushrooms

Another name for turkey tail: A list of its key aliases

Trametes versicolor: The modern scientific name.
Coriolus versicolor: A common synonym.
Yun Zhi: Chinese traditional name.
Kawaratake: Japanese traditional name.
Cloud Mushroom: Translation of Yun Zhi.
Many-Zoned Polypore: Former common English name.
Polyporus versicolor: Older scientific synonym.

Frequently Asked Questions

The current scientific name is Trametes versicolor, but the older name Coriolus versicolor is still widely recognized and used.

The Chinese name for turkey tail is Yun Zhi, which translates to 'cloud mushroom'.

Yes, 'cloud mushroom' is another name for turkey tail, derived from the literal translation of its Traditional Chinese Medicine name, Yun Zhi.

In Japan, the mushroom is known as Kawaratake, which means 'roof tile fungus' or 'mushroom by the river'.

A major synonym for Trametes versicolor is Coriolus versicolor, a name frequently encountered in scientific literature and the supplement market.

Knowing the different names is important for accurate research and product identification, especially when examining traditional medicine texts or purchasing supplements that may use alternative terminology like Coriolus versicolor or Yun Zhi.

No, False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea) is a lookalike species and not another name for turkey tail. It can be distinguished by its lack of pores on the underside.

The name Many-Zoned Polypore, once common in English, refers to the distinctive concentric rings of color (many zones) found on the mushroom's surface.

Yes, Polyporus versicolor is an older scientific synonym for turkey tail, reflecting the historical taxonomic grouping of many bracket fungi.